Northern Women Back Senator Natasha, Warn INEC Chairman Against Hasty Recall
By Daniels Ekugo
Some women in Northern Nigeria, under the aegis of the Northern Women Front, have reminded the leadership of the Senate to be aware of the heavy burden of history placed on their shoulders as leaders of the legislative arm of government.
In a statement in Abuja during the weekend, the group warned the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, about the dangers in the rapid recall process instigated against Senator Natasha Apkoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central.
They also chastised some senators for the active role they played in creating a bad image for Nigeria.
Chairperson of Northern Women Front, Hajia Rugayya Suleiman commended the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, the former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi chapter for defending women’s rights, standing out for fundamental principles and challenging an oppressive social order.
She also applauded the former minister of education for her bravery and honesty.
Specifically, the prominent northern women advised chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to back off on their proposal for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over the allegation of sexual harassment levied against the Senate president Godswill Akpabio.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a pillar of strength and a woman of great moral integrity,’’ she said.
The women also called out Senator Peter Nwebonyi for the verbal spat with Ezekwesili, describing his actions as a public relations disaster for the senate.
‘’We do not give a damn about what capacity he’s speaking in, he needs to be quiet, they said.’’
‘’Let us be clear, the women in the world stand with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The recent action of some senators is another case of male politicians waging wars against women in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
